Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Need a New Source of Classroom Inspiration? E-t-s-y !

It's summer, and if you're like many teachers, you're ready to track down new and inspiring resources and design elements to help create the perfect learning environment for your students... or you're still catching up on naps.

Whether you're taking part in book studies, sales shopping, or attending conferences, the thought of tackling furniture arrangements and bulletin board displays will eventually cross your mind. If you're anything like me though, you'll notice that trimmers, anchor charts, and manipulatives featured in teacher stores and catalogs have all started to look alike, no matter the animal, super hero, or polka dot pattern used.

They're tried and true stand-bys, and I'll appreciatively admit that Bordette corrugated trimmer has ~saved~ my bulletin board displays on more than one occasion, but if you're wondering what else might be out there (and you're the creative sort who isn't afraid of scissors, a glue gun, Mod Podge or printing in color), I've got the perfect place for you to find fresh inspiration:

How about these? Teaching in Kansas, The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorites. Illustrations, typography, and textural elements can all contribute to the feel and comfort of our students' learning spaces.

You can join Etsy for free, and search to your heart's content. I use terms like "art print," "bunting," "classroom decor," "teacher gifts," "quotations," and "nursery" when I'm on the hunt for ideas.

Where else do you find inspiration for your classroom? The great outdoors? Museums? Travel? Movies or television shows?